Offset is an ongoing artistic research project examining the quantification and financialization of the carbon cycle.
Carbon offsets in their current form, applies the logic of capitalism to our atmospheric interactions. This logic assumes that all activities on Earth can be quantified and abstracted (by means of a price) and therefore exchanged. Based on this reasoning, carbon offsets operate off the presumption that it is possible to export or outsource the effects of one’s decisions—whether at the scale of the individual, the community, or the nation state—to someone or someplace else, or even to future generations. In this way, existing carbon-offset markets act to maintain a status quo rather than address root causes of the climate catastrophe.
What would an alternative offset market that focuses on social exchanges and political actions that contribute to a program of radical change look like?
Receive occasional project updates by signing up to the Offset newsletter.
CREDITS
This project is a collaboration with Sam Lavigne.
Supported by:
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Carbon offsets in their current form, applies the logic of capitalism to our atmospheric interactions. This logic assumes that all activities on Earth can be quantified and abstracted (by means of a price) and therefore exchanged. Based on this reasoning, carbon offsets operate off the presumption that it is possible to export or outsource the effects of one’s decisions—whether at the scale of the individual, the community, or the nation state—to someone or someplace else, or even to future generations. In this way, existing carbon-offset markets act to maintain a status quo rather than address root causes of the climate catastrophe.
What would an alternative offset market that focuses on social exchanges and political actions that contribute to a program of radical change look like?
Receive occasional project updates by signing up to the Offset newsletter.
CREDITS
This project is a collaboration with Sam Lavigne.
Supported by:
- A 2023 Creative Capital Award.
- The Australian Center for Contemporary Arts.
- A Pioneer Works and the Rockefeller Foundation working artist grant.
